Athletes
First African American to play in the MLB during the modern area.
Jackie Robinson
This pop singer won 11 awards for her cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" in 1922.
Whitney Houston
He has starred in many films, such as “Angel has Fallen” and “The Bucket List.”
Morgan Freeman
44th President of the United States.
Barack Obama
With hits "Gold Digger" and "Fade," this rapper was a write in for the 2020 presidential election.
Kayne West
Nicknamed "The Greatest". First person to win the world heavyweight championship three times.
Muhammad Ali
She was the lead singer of one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. She began her solo career in 2002 and is now considered one of the most influential artists in the history of pop music.
Beyonce
Rose to fame on the comedy show Saturday Night Live. Also was the voice of Donkey in Shrek.
Eddie Murphy
This Anti-Apartheid leader spent 26 years in prison and was a Nobel peace Prize winner.
Nelson Mandela
Born Aubrey Graham, this Canadian rapper has numerous hits including "Hotline Bling," "Popstar," and "God's Plan."
Four-time gold medalist in the 1936 Olympics. Set a world record in the long jump that stood for 25 years.
Jesse Owens
This singer and guitarist performed Purple Haze at Woodstalk in 1970.
Jimmi Hendrix
This actress stars in hit TV series "How to Get Away with Murder." She also held a large role in the film "The Help."
Viola Davis
Theoretical physicist who was the first African American woman to receive a doctorate from MIT.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson
After reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit "Say So" featuring Nicki Minaj, this rapper performed on several award shows including MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Doja Cat
Won 23 Grand Slam Singles titles. Recognized as the oldest tennis player to reach the number 1 ranking at the age of 35.
Serena Williams
Originally a part of a family ensemble, this musician was known as the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson
This female actress appeared as Queen Ramonda, the mother of Marvel’s Black Panther.
Angela Bassett
First African American AND first Woman to lead the national library.
Carla Hayden
Rising to mainstream prominence in 2019, this rapper obtained features with popular artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Post Malone, Lil Nas X, Nicki Minaj, Dua Lipa and Camila Cabello
DaBaby
Bronze medal winner at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Known for Black Power solute.
John Carlos
She was the most popular singer in the 1920's and was known as the Empress of Blues.
Bessie Smith
He opened the first major film studio that was owned by an African American. Best known for his signature character, Madea.
Tyler Perry
Leader of ActOne Group, the largest woman-minority owned workforce management company founded in the U.S.
Janice Bryant Howroyd
This rapper pioneered and brought female rap into the forefront of the music industry, from nothing, with her hits "Yikes," "Anaconda," and "Good Form."
Nicki Minaj